Contribution and Constraints for the Involvement of People Living with HIV in HIV Prevention and Control Activities: A Qualitative Study at Mandalay Region, 2016

Abstract

There were nearly 170 positive self-help groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in 2013 in Myanmar. This study was conducted at Mandalay City and two townships from Mandalay Region during 2016 to assess the contribution of PLHIV in HIV prevention and control related activities, and identify the challenges for the sustainability of their contribution. Seven focus group discussions with six to seven PLHIV in each group, eight indepth interviews with leaders of HIV positive groups, and two key informant interviews with team leaders of HIV/AIDS were conducted. The average age of respondents was 40 years, male and female ratio was 1:5. The average years of involvement in HIV/AIDS-related activities was 4 years. Generally, PLHIV were very supportive especially to the AIDS/ STD teams which have limited human resources. The achievement of PLHIV involvement could be mainly seen in condom promotion and distribution to vulnerable groups, HIV-test counseling, supporting PLHIV from hard-to-reach areas and with poor socio-economic conditions, assisting in antiretroviral therapy (ART) provision at AIDS/STD teams, home-based care for the HIV positive adult and children, and referring people to get HIV tested and ART treatment. Areas and activities which need to be focused were also reported. The key challenges for the sustainability of their contribution were poor resource of basic equipments and facilities especially the place and funding for office, the lower interest of PLHIV and poor technical knowledge to develop income generation activities, the changing attitudes of PLHIV on their involvement, and uncertain future plans of PLHIV groups. To conclude, the challenges among PLHIV groups should be addressed by National AIDS Programme.